President William Ruto has announced plans to monetise the school drama plays on the eCitizen platform for revenue generation.
Speaking during the National Drama and Film Festival State Concert in Nakuru on Wednesday, the Head of State hailed the various talents that were showcased at the state function and revealed that it was time to monetise the plays.
''I think it is time for us to have a greater reach and to even monetise further the content that is coming out of these great performances. This should be available on eCitizen so that more Kenyans can have access to watch and pay,'' Ruto said.
Ruto reiterated Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok's sentiments that schools showcase a lot of talents that could be translated into films and put in the eCitizen for monetisation.
''We are walking closely with the creative director in your office to ensure that we monetise all these talents coming out, we are working on a program to ensure that all these talents, all these films, all these dramas are linked to e-citizen so that they can be monetised,'' Bitok said.
According to both leaders, the move was aimed at empowering all stakeholders behind these school plays so that they can benefit from the talents.
''Through this initiative, more money and revenue can go back to these creatives, and schools and everyone part of this endeavour,'' Ruto continued.
The leaders were speaking at the event where top performers in the recent grand finale of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival 2025 showcased their winning productions before President Ruto and other dignitaries.
The concert featured outstanding performances from schools that excelled in the festival, including Moi High School Mbiruri, Kanyuambora High School, and Kangaru High School.
The festival included plays, cultural dances, films, and modern digital storytelling, highlighting Kenya’s rich artistic talent.
Interestingly, Butere Girls, whose 'Echoes of War' play attracted national attention over its theme, prompting police to block them from performing, were missing from the state function.
The call by the President and Education PS came at a time when the eCitizen is facing ownership controversy. The platform is facing intense scrutiny after revelations that private developers hold the power to shut down the system if their contract is terminated.
